WPT returns to Spain

LOS ANGELES, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Kicking off all-new action in Season VII, World Poker Tour returns to Casino Barcelona next week for the second WPT Spanish Championship. WPT also appointed Europe's most popular and respected Tournament Director, Thomas Kremser, who is also returning to run the tournament.

Held May 21 – 27, 2008, the event features Super Satellite No Limit Hold'em (buy-in 200€+20€), with unlimited re-buys and add-ons, starting at 3 p.m. on May 21 and May 22. The 5000€ + 300€ main event begins at Casino Barcelona on May 23 and concludes with the final table May 27, which will not be filmed for television. There are two starting days for this tournament (May 23 & 24), and the top seven players will receive WPT Player of the Year points for Season VII.

The main event is expected to draw a strong field of players, including Finland's Juha Helppi as well as poker professional and face of the WPT Poker-Made Millionaire™, Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari. Esfandiari is returning to Spain to play in the event and represent www.worldpokertour.com, WPT's real-money gaming site. His arrival in Spain is on the heels of his latest poker success, placing eighth at the EPT Grand Final this spring, earning him a cool 168,000€.

"Since the moment I left Barcelona two years ago, I have waited for the opportunity to return," said Esfandiari. "It is such a beautiful city with incredible history—you couldn't ask for a better backdrop for an international WPT tournament. The Spanish Championship drew a tough field last year, and I expect the competition to be even bigger and better this Season."

WPT Live Updates team will be reporting from the tournament floor with chips counts, hands, and other news, allowing fans and players to follow the tournament action online at www.worldpokertour.com.

WPT recently extended its partnership with Grup Peralada, the largest operator of casinos in Spain, to bring the WPT back to Barcelona. Grup Peralada, with presence in various leisure time activities and also industrial sectors such as gaming, winegrowing, culture (International Music Festival of Peralada), hotels & wellness, golf, plastics or car industry, has vast experience organizing poker tournaments. With over 120 events every year--including three international tournaments--Grup Peralada, especially Casino Barcelona, is a recognized European leader in high level poker events and sets the bar in the Spanish gaming sector.